Formula 1 2018

[jaytip]

Did anyone notice that NFL players bodyguard when David Coulthard was chatting with him?
The nob could see he was chatting with him for TV, and he still insisted on trying to push him away.

[CardShark]

Not the usual drama, but I enjoyed the race.

This...

...it is an 'occasion'. Yes, it’s virtually impossible to overtake but it is also about strategy, reliability and driver skill but above all it’s about history and for me, it perfectly sums up the glamour of motor racing.

... and that.

Much has been said about the spectacle already, something that Monaco has in spades, however it's not just this that draws me in.

A race season needs to challenge car, team and driver. Monza is flat chat, pedal to the metal outright speed. Spa is power and control, Montreal is the brake buster, Silverstone and Suzuka have Maggotts, Becketts, Degner and Spoon, Singapore the physically demanding heat and humidity and Monaco has that balls on the line for every corner 100% commitment or you're nowhere/in the barriers for 78 laps that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Sod the money men, the sponsorship, the glitz and the glamour - Monaco stands on its own merits as a circuit within a season. It's not just about the overtaking, you know...

A superb win for DR, much deserved.

[Saint-Just]

The fact is, the drivers themselves value a Monaco victory over most, if not all GPs.

[CardShark]

The fact is, the drivers themselves value a Monaco victory over most, if not all GPs.

Over their own home GP I'd say, for those that aren't residents of the principality.

[Andyg]

The fact is, the drivers themselves value a Monaco victory over most, if not all GPs.

Really, I would have thought it would

a) the one that wins them the WC.

b) their home GP (especially if they are Australian, Canadian, Brazilian, Spanish, British, Mexican, Italian, Russian, etc)

c) Monza (if driving a Ferrari)

d) Spa (which is perhaps the best F1 fans track. It would certainly be mine)

but I am sure you are quite right.

[Andyg]

People are suggesting that Baku is boring but I think it’s anything but. So far 2 out of 3 of the races there have been exciting.

Agreed. I would rather this than Monaco to be honest.

[andrewcregan]

Further input here

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/44275461

[adrianw]

Further input here

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/44275461

He slated it, someone will be along to say he doesn't know what he is talking about.

"I'm sure they are looking at all the options after Sunday's race, but something must surely be done so we aren't all falling asleep in our armchairs on the afternoon of what should be the sport's greatest spectacle"

[Andyg]

He slated it, someone will be along to say he doesn't know what he is talking about.

I am sure they will, but they are the ones who are incorrect.

Anywhoo, Canada next. a track Hamilton has enjoyed much success at.

[paul360m]

I am sure they will, but they are the ones who are incorrect.

Anywhoo, Canada next. a track Hamilton has enjoyed much success at.

Love Montreal - been to the GP 4 times. Been to Monaco 0 times. 'Nuff said......

[Backward point]

Another high profile departure from Williams:

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/n...378YTL,13AE1,1

[adrianw]

I'm not convinced that firing people is the answer, they should all take responsibility and resolve the issues, it's so easy to blame people............where is Clare Williams on the list

[ziphos]

I'm not convinced that firing people is the answer

No, they need people who can design a car that works, if the people they have aren't up to it, then they need new people. Looks like Doug McKiernan is taking the lead role now, but he was recently hired from McLaren who don't have a great record in car design over the last few years.

[Backward point]

I'm not convinced that firing people is the answer, they should all take responsibility and resolve the issues, it's so easy to blame people............where is Clare Williams on the list

Isn't Claire effectively on maternity leave? I know that she's been at a couple of recent races, but I thought that Paddy Lowe is currently acting as Team Principal, reporting to Frank and Claire. I may have mentioned before that Williams seems rather top-heavy with management.

[petethegeek]

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/i...interview.html

It may just be me, but whenever I watch or read an interview with her I never come away feeling that I've learnt anything.

[reecie]

Its hard to conceive that a team can stuff up the aero quite as much as Williams seem to have done these days. Where was all the wind tunnel data? I’ve seen both the front aero and the rear diffuser mentioned as causes or maybe the former is affecting the latter. With the changes for next year they almost may as well cut their losses on this years car but the need for sponsorship now Martini are leaving probably requires a better showing this year.

[adrianw]

No, they need people who can design a car that works, if the people they have aren't up to it, then they need new people. Looks like Doug McKiernan is taking the lead role now, but he was recently hired from McLaren who don't have a great record in car design over the last few years.

Racing and designing race cars is about interpreting the rules, all of the F1 teams spend fortunes with specialist lawyers reading, interpreting and justifying the rule book, once this process has been completed the engineers start designing the car, different teams come up with different interpretations, this year Williams got it wrong.

In fairness it seems that two of the teams are effectively running last years Ferrari, this could be argued to be against the rules as you cant have customer cars I believe.

[Backward point]

Racing and designing race cars is about interpreting the rules, all of the F1 teams spend fortunes with specialist lawyers reading, interpreting and justifying the rule book, once this process has been completed the engineers start designing the car, different teams come up with different interpretations, this year Williams got it wrong.

In fairness it seems that two of the teams are effectively running last years Ferrari, this could be argued to be against the rules as you cant have customer cars I believe.

Spot on, Adrian. I think that the problem lies in the fact that a wind tunnel can only reproduce straight-line running, and the issue with the Williams is that the diffuser stalls during the initial phase of the turn-in, which can't be reproduced in the tunnel, and must be difficult to model using CFD. Whatever is happening, the airflow to the diffuser (either under the car or over the top of the floor around the gearbox) is causing the diffuser to stall and momentarily stop producing downforce. Depending on how long it takes for the airflow to reattach, the resulting loss of downforce cannot help the confidence of two inexperienced drivers. If the diffuser problem is the result of a fault with the design of the front wing, it could mean a complete redesign of the front wing, sidepods, floor, or the complete car. The Williams runs sidepods which are cut away more dramatically than those of any other car this year, which caused much comment when the car was revealed before the first pre-season test. Last year's car was one of the quickest in a straight line, so they might have evolved last year's concept and discovered another problem.

On the matter of Haas and Sauber, the FIA have investigated and decided that there's no case to answer. Basically, if you're going to run the engine, gearbox and suspension from another car, you're going to end up with a car which looks similar, because once the major components and "hard points" are in place, the aero package and general shape will be similar.

[adrianw]

On the matter of Haas and Sauber, the FIA have investigated and decided that there's no case to answer. Basically, if you're going to run the engine, gearbox and suspension from another car, you're going to end up with a car which looks similar, because once the major components and "hard points" are in place, the aero package and general shape will be similar.

If this is how they have decided to interpret it surely they should specify the carryover percentage.

[Backward point]

It's a slow news day in the world of Formula 1, but for anybody wondering how Vijay Mallya is these days:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/44323466

[Backward point]

Canada. No sooner has the European season started than it's interrupted by the now traditional flyaway to the Isle de Notre Dame an artificial island in the St Lawrence river, and a circuit which is very similar to Melbourne in that it starts off very "green", with very little grip, but as long as it doesn't rain the track will have rubbered in enough to behave properly by the time the lights go out on Sunday.

There's always a special, light-hearted atmosphere to the race, helped in part by the resurrected inter-team raft race, last year's event being the only time in recent years that McLaren have won anything in Formula 1.

Tyre choices:



It's very much a Mercedes circuit, and one on which Force India often outperform themselves. Don't expect too much from Williams, who seem to be in introspective mode right now. Much like Monza, Montreal demands a slippery car with a good top speed that behaves well under hard braking. And the "Wall of Champions" is only ever one small lapse of concentration or moment of bravado away.

Having just had the annual chorus of "Monaco is rubbish because there's no overtaking there", we can brace ourselves for "Montreal is rubbish because it's too easy to overtake there". Keen observers of such things will note that Pirelli are supplying the same three tyre compounds as at Monaco, so at least nobody will be able to blame the tyres.

More later.

[reecie]

"Wall of Champions" is only ever one small lapse of concentration or moment of bravado away.

Max will be looking forward to that...

[Andyg]

Having just had the annual chorus of "Monaco is rubbish because there's no overtaking there", we can brace ourselves for "Montreal is rubbish because it's too easy to overtake there".
.

i very much doubt it will be "easy" to overtake, unless someone has a superior car, DRS, decent tires, considerable skills/courage and another driver who understands the rules/dangers involved.

You comment about Monaco was however quite correct

[Backward point]

There will be three DRS zones at Montreal:

https://www.pitpass.com/61931/Three-...nes-for-Canada

Daniel Ricciardo may need all of them:

https://www.pitpass.com/61932/Riccia...l-grid-penalty

[ggmiller]

Off to Montreal in the morning for my first live F1 this year, usually get to a few but have had this one on the to-do list for a while!

Cannot wait!

[Backward point]

Off to Montreal in the morning for my first live F1 this year, usually get to a few but have had this one on the to-do list for a while!

Cannot wait!

Have a great weekend! Post some pictures if you can!

[ggmiller]

Have a great weekend! Post some pictures if you can!

Will do my best to do both... This leaves me with only Bahrain to do, and Paul Ricard of course!

[StackH]

Off to Montreal in the morning for my first live F1 this year, usually get to a few but have had this one on the to-do list for a while!

Cannot wait!

Please post a mini-review when you get back - been thinking about going and would love to know what it's like.

[ggmiller]

Please post a mini-review when you get back - been thinking about going and would love to know what it's like.

Will do, staying in an AirBnB in the old town so should be easy to get to the circuit, doing 4 days in Montreal, then fly down to DC for 4 nights before getting the train to NY for another 4. I went to Aus for 3 days so i am making the most of it on this trip.

Tickets much more affordable for Canada too, both flight and race so leaves a little bit to sample the odd bar or two....

[CardShark]

@ ggmiller - I'm quite envious, Montreal would be a great circuit, and city, to visit.

As has been said, the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a venue that should statistically fall into the strengths of the Silver Arrows. They've won the last 3 races there (their only wins in Canada, it has to be said), it's where Lewis Hamilton won his maiden F1 victory and it's also where he has won the most races with 6 in total. He's won 6 in the U.S.A. as well however that's split between Indianapolis and the COTA in Texas.

Some interesting pre-race reads in the links below, I could condense the info and/or cherry-pick however I may skip over something of interest to others. Given the nature of the circuit - how hard it is on brakes and the likelihood of a safety car - a couple of the links help to explain the complexities of managing potential scenarios.

https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/mer...1-safety-cars/

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/c...piola-1044399/

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/f...d-to-know.html

[CardShark]

There will be three DRS zones at Montreal:

https://www.pitpass.com/61931/Three-...nes-for-Canada

Daniel Ricciardo may need all of them:

https://www.pitpass.com/61932/Riccia...l-grid-penalty

Hmm...

3 DRS zones + grid penalties + DR's left foot + the nature of the circuit could all equal to a blinding opportunity for the spectator. If the car has the speed he'll bring the rest of it.

[jaytip]

i very much doubt it will be "easy" to overtake, unless someone has a superior car, DRS, decent tires, considerable skills/courage and another driver who understands the rules/dangers involved.

Let’s not forget Button went from the back of the grid to the top of the podium there. My favourite modern era F1 race.

[Andyg]

Off to Montreal in the morning for my first live F1 this year, usually get to a few but have had this one on the to-do list for a while!

Cannot wait!

I am not surprised you can't wait. I am very envious. Have a great trip.

If you going down to DC check out Alexandra, lovely place.

[Backward point]

News and rumours from the world of Formula 1:

Mercedes, unlike Ferrari, Renault and Honda, have chosen not to introduce their upgraded power unit this weekend, as they are concerned about reliability. They will use the power units that have served in the first races of the season to date, and were to have been used again in Hungary, before being relegated to Friday use. With Montreal being one of the hardest tracks on engines, this represents a calculated risk for Mercedes and their customer teams.

Red Bull are apparently querying Ferrari's DRS, claiming that the opening exceeds the regulatory maximum when in use.

Brendon Hartley appears to be the latest Red Bull backed driver to come under the uncompromising scrutiny of senior management, and is believed to be at risk of being made to spend more time with his family if he doesn't come up with some better results. He has been somewhat in the shadow of his team-mate Pierre Gasly so far this year, but the problem is that the Red Bull talent ladder has disappeared, and there are very few alternative and available drivers who are Red Bull backed and hold a Superlicence. Rumour has it that McLaren-contracted Lando Norris is being considered for Hartley's seat at Toro Rosso, but this will only happen if McLaren can be persuaded to release him. The only other possibility would appear to be a recall of Carlos Sainz from Renault, where he is on loan, but it's hard to see any benefit to Sainz if that were to happen.

From this weekend the cars will be required to line up on the grid ten minutes earlier, to give the media improved access prior to the host nation's national anthem.

And Williams are believed to be in negotiation with Lance Stroll with a view to extending his contract. Adrian will be along shortly to give us his views on this, I expect.

[Andyg]

Rumour has it that McLaren-contracted Lando Norris is being considered for Hartley's seat at Toro Rosso, but this will only happen if McLaren can be persuaded to release him. .

I read that McLaren has suggested TR go forth and multiple. I think they are planned for either a SvD or FA departure in the next few months and for Lando to step in.

[Backward point]

I read that McLaren has suggested TR go forth and multiple. I think they are planned for either a SvD or FA departure in the next few months and for Lando to step in.

In which case a few races for Toro Rosso would be ideal before a full-time drive with McLaren. Unless Red Bull are looking for a long-term commitment.

[Andyg]

In which case a few races for Toro Rosso would be ideal before a full-time drive with McLaren. Unless Red Bull are looking for a long-term commitment.

Perhaps, but McLaren don't seem to agree with you. Perhaps they are worried that RB might try to poach him.

He really does seem to be a talent.

[Foxy100]

Am I right in thinking Norris has a fabulously wealthy father? I think it was him who hired the whole of Thruxton for his son's exclusive use when he was racing in Ginetta Juniors. IIRC his car was completely rebuilt after every race. I'm sure he has talent but he also has a lot of money pushing him along.

[nick67]

Am I right in thinking Norris has a fabulously wealthy father? I think it was him who hired the whole of Thruxton for his son's exclusive use when he was racing in Ginetta Juniors. IIRC his car was completely rebuilt after every race. I'm sure he has talent but he also has a lot of money pushing him along.

His father Adam Norris sits equal 501st on the 2016 Sunday Times Rich List, having a net worth of £207 million from the financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown and his investment company Horatio

[Phil Lee]

Am I right in thinking Norris has a fabulously wealthy father? I think it was him who hired the whole of Thruxton for his son's exclusive use when he was racing in Ginetta Juniors. IIRC his car was completely rebuilt after every race. I'm sure he has talent but he also has a lot of money pushing him along.

Lando Norris races iRacing online and streams his races. He often comes across as an extremely arrogant young man with no respect for the other people racing, who treat the sim as a serious hobby rather than a bit of fun.

https://m.twitch.tv/landonorris/profile

[MakeColdplayHistory]

His father Adam Norris sits equal 501st on the 2016 Sunday Times Rich List, having a net worth of £207 million from the financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown and his investment company Horatio

Displaying my ignorance of the inner workings of F1 here but...
I know some drivers are in some teams because they bring money into the team but how much (typically) do they pay for their seat? They obviously have to be decent drivers at the same time.
£207million is a lot of money but it isn't a lot of money (compared to Lawrence Stroll, for example). Assuming Lando's dad doesn't want to spunk the whole lot, would his wealth have much to do with it at this point? Or is it more the point that it bought opportunities for the younger Lando to develop his talent?

[MakeColdplayHistory]

And good to see Mad Max displaying his mature side again...
When questioned about whether he can be too aggressive, threaten to headbutt someone...
http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/124...ge-of-approach

[adrianw]

Displaying my ignorance of the inner workings of F1 here but...
I know some drivers are in some teams because they bring money into the team but how much (typically) do they pay for their seat? They obviously have to be decent drivers at the same time.
£207million is a lot of money but it isn't a lot of money (compared to Lawrence Stroll, for example). Assuming Lando's dad doesn't want to spunk the whole lot, would his wealth have much to do with it at this point? Or is it more the point that it bought opportunities for the younger Lando to develop his talent?

About 30 million seems to buy you a drive

[reggie747]

Lando Norris races iRacing online and streams his races. He often comes across as an extremely arrogant young man with no respect for the other people racing, who treat the sim as a serious hobby rather than a bit of fun.

https://m.twitch.tv/landonorris/profile

I'd imagine when your old man has 200 million quid under him and he's funded your career thus far, being pleasant rather than arrogant in the company of ordinary people, is not 2nd nature. Just saying like....

[D4RK1]

Its not just F1 is it. For anyone to get somewhere in Motorsport. Serious amounts of money are required to get people up the ladder. With petrol in the veins we're destined to blow lots of hard earned money on cars, track time, race meets and of course going to watch our beloved form of Motorsport.

I do love the Canadian GP. For the previous reasons really. Lots of action. I love the pit entry and exit on this track also. I'm a big Lewis fan (on track, not so much off) so hoping there are no reliability issues with the power unit if they keep the old one in play.

[Lampoc]

According to Claire Williams, Lance Stroll is "living up to expectations" so far in his F1 career. I can only assume that means his dad's cheques are coming through regularly as it certainly isn't down to his driving.

[adrianw]

According to Claire Williams, Lance Stroll is "living up to expectations" so far in his F1 career. I can only assume that means his dad's cheques are coming through regularly as it certainly isn't down to his driving.

That depends on where she set the bar

[Andyg]

Am I right in thinking Norris has a fabulously wealthy father? I think it was him who hired the whole of Thruxton for his son's exclusive use when he was racing in Ginetta Juniors. IIRC his car was completely rebuilt after every race. I'm sure he has talent but he also has a lot of money pushing him along.

He does indeed, but then so do many other drivers Max, Nico, Senna jr, to name a few. Even Rick Parfett son is driving from Bentley GT. Racing is an expensive business. Hence why Button's, Hamilton's and Mansell's successes are so remarkable considering their humble beginnings.

But at the end of the day, if you were wealthy enough and your son was good enough and wanted to do it, wouldn't you do the same. I know I would.

FYI I have a wealthy friend who just spent nearly £100k on a horse (dressage) for his daughter, so it's not just motor racing that requires big bucks to be successful.

[Backward point]

Meanwhile, back to the ordinary business of Formula 1, and the first thing to grab the attention in FP1 was the amount of dust on the track, which of course affected grip. It certainly seemed to affect the ability of Pierre Gasly to come to terms with the chicane just before the run down to the hairpin. As long as the weather remains dry and sunny, the racing line at least will rubber in, and provide grip, but dust and tyre marbles off-line may inhibit overtaking.

Max Verstappen has attracted some attention by his comment in the Drivers' Press Conference yesterday offering to headbutt any journalist who asks him why he's been involved in so many crashes this year. Keeping the press on-side, Max!

Speculation seems to snowball on the possibility of a Red Bull and Honda marriage for 2019 and onwards, fuelled by the appearance of Brendon Hartley's Toro Rosso at the top of the speed trap figures for FP1. For now, Red Bull have an upgraded Renault engine this weekend, as of course does the factory team, although Nico Hulkenberg's session was terminated without troubling the timekeepers by a gearbox full of neutrals on the exit to the hairpin during his first timed lap. It wasn't his race gearbox, so there's no penalty.

And Kimi Raikkonen may have some awkward questions to answer concerning himself and the breasts of a waitress during a post-race celebration in 2016.

FP2 is just about to start.

[Backward point]

Most non-Mercedes powered drivers who haven't already had to replace power unit elements are taking new "spec B" Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), MGU-H and turbochargers this weekend, but the state of play post-Monaco was:

https://www.pitpass.com/61955/Canada...-Unit-elements

Red Bull might be able to avoid grid penalties for Daniel Ricciardo at this race by re-using their first MGU-K to replace the failed unit from Monaco. While the drivers have three ICE's, MGU-H's and turbos for the season, they only have two MGU-K, ES (Energy Store/Battery) and CE (Control Electronics) for the year.

Mercedes were planning to use their original ICE's, MGU-H's and turbos at the Hungaroring, which is regarded as one of the less-demanding circuits as far as power unit wear goes, but have been forced to use them in Canada as the "B-spec" units have a fault which was not discovered until the units had been sent to Canada. So Mercedes, Force India and Williams are using power units which are theoretically past their use-by date this weekend. Mercedes have, undoubtedly the most robust power unit in Formula 1, and appear confident that they can complete the weekend without problems, and if any manufacturer can do it, they can.

Friday's sessions brought nothing more than furrowed brows and misery at Williams, and it's hard to see any light at the end of their particular tunnel. Once again, unpredictable behaviour from the rear of the car, coupled with a reluctance to work on anything other than the hardest compound tyre available and two inexperienced drivers left them dead last in FP2. They lose their Martini sponsorship at the end of this season, and it can't be easy to sell the F1 dream to potential sponsors from the back of the grid, so the news that the team's management are pleased with the performance of Lance Stroll and his father's money shouldn't really come as a surprise to anybody. I've drawn comparisons with the declining years of the Tyrrell team, when a good deal was better than a good driver, and unless Williams can produce a heavily-minted rabbit from a rather unpromising hat, the writing will be on the wall. Their last hope may be a cost cap in conjunction with a re-allocation of the FOM TV money, but they're negotiating from a position of weakness. There was a time, not all that long ago, when Williams gave preference to sponsors whose corporate colours were predominantly dark blue and white, so as not to spoil the appearance of the car with too many different colours. I suspect that they would love to be in that position now.

Nobody wants to lose another team from the sport, least of all one with such a rich and successful history, but those attributes didn't save Lotus, Brabham, Tyrrell or any of the three teams drawn in by Bernie Ecclestone's promises of a cost cap etc, even though some were sold and rose Phoenix-like from their own funeral pyres, but unless there are fundamental changes in the structure of the sport the attraction to potential competitors is somewhat limited.

Personally, I want Williams to survive, and be competitive. They're a "proper" racing team, from the days when Frank ran the team from a phone box on whatever money (or promises) he had available. In many ways, they're too important to fail, but from a business perspective they have an expensive infrastructure in place, and the hardest thing to do in their position is to reduce the size of a business when the money starts to dry up.